In developments of 25 dwellings or more, or residential sites of 1 hectare or more, the Council will expect an appropriate provision of affordable housing on suitable sites.

In this context affordable housing means both low-cost market and subsidised housing, and the type of housing sought will depend on local housing need and the site suitability.

In assessing the suitability of a site for affordable housing the Council will have regard to the site’s location relative to public transport, town centres and other areas of employment, proximity to public open space, schools and other community facilities, particular costs associated with the development and the realisation of other material planning objectives.

The scale and form of provision will be subject to negotiation and may consist of between 15 - 30% of the total number of units.

On certain suitable sites it may be considered more appropriate for the developer to make a financial or other contribution towards affordable housing elsewhere in the District when the factors of provision of affordable housing on the suitable site undermine the viability of the development of the whole site, or the need for a type of affordable housing is different to that which would be provided on that site.

Agreements on arrangements to ensure their future use as affordable housing to meet the needs of the District will be required.

For more information, please visit the Basildon Local Plan Saved Policies document.